CANADA is calling for 17 year old

CAMERON Vaughan is departing for Canada this Thursday as an integral part of the NSW Country Schools Rugby union team. His selection comes as a result of a string of outstanding performances in trial games. The highlight being a win against a combined Queensland and Reds Academy under 17 team.

Camerons played extremely well as his team fought out a gruelling 27-22 victory, a feat even bigger considering that the Qld team had not lost a game in 2 years.

It comes as no surprise that this team shaping up to be the most talented NSW Country Schools has put together, according to coach Matthew Evans.

Cameron is definitely not a passenger, far from it, he is a standout player and has attracted attention of scouts including former Wallaby Chris Roche and Reds centre Steve Kefu.

The only person not singing his praises is Cameron himself, preferring to let his Rugby do the talking. Still only 17, the Lake Illawarra High Student sees every training session and game as a chance to fine tune his skills, with one eye on the future.

Any kids dream is to play for the Wallabies, I really want to keep training hard and one day make first grade in Sydney and you never know what can happen from there he said.

The former Vikings junior, now plays with Southern Districts Colts in Sydney and believes that the training and professionalism he has benefited from will ensure he is ready for anything the Canadian teams will dish out.

Playing in Sydney is great, the players are bigger and it makes you work harder as it is so much quicker, he added

The 16 day tour will see Cameron face up against representative teams from the tough Canadian provinces of Vancouver, Victoria. Edmonton and Okanagan Valley.

As for the future, coach Evans believes Cameron will get his chance,

It comes down to attitude and commitment. The best part about him is he has no tickets on himself, trains hard and is happy to follow directions

Evans had a birds eye view of the development of one the Wallabies finest leaders in Phil Kearns.

I went to School with Phil and he wasnt picked in the first fifteen. Phil is the perfect example of attitude and commitment, he kept at it and that work ethic is still with him today he added

?

?

What does the jersey mean to you?

The Country jersey is pretty special and it means that right now I am an all right player.

Do you feel it is a reward for your training?

Yeah, the training is hard, but just to know I get to play footy on the weekend is a reward in itself

How do you find the coaching at different levels?

It is getting more professional. I was with the Illawarra Academy of Sport, which really helped to develop my skills and technique. It worked on the finer points, specifics for yourself that ultimately help the team.

Who do you admire?

My Dad, Dave has always been a great help and my coaches have all made a difference

First thing you are going to pack?

My playing gear, clothes and my team uniform

Youre at the airport, about to board the plane. What are you thinking?

That I cant wait to get there. I went to NZ last year and was nervous, as it was my first time on a plane, this time is different.

Do you have a quote you use to stay focused?

Yeah its from the cover of one of my coaching programs You must always believe you will become the best, but never believe you have done so